Drop stop

ABSTRACT

A device for holding a baby&#39;s implements and preventing them from dropping to the floor comprising a strap having a first end for attachment to an object associated with the baby; and a second end terminating in an adjustable catch loop for securing an object, and a strap for attachment to a closed loop object.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the field of securing bottles orother items with straps. In particular, the present invention isdirected towards a strap design that attaches to a child's seat and thento a bottle, toy or other object associated with a toy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the more annoying problems which face parents is childrendropping and losing drinking cups, toys, rattles and pacifiers. Thisfrequently can happen at inconvenient places such as at parks and malls.When such objects fall, they can get lost, but worse, they can come incontact with germs, thus creating a health risk for the child or baby.Lost objects such as bottles, pacifiers, etc., also means wasted money.

There have been a number of inventions directed to the area of securingbaby bottles and the like with straps. U.S. Patent No. 20030121944,dated Jul. 3, 2003 to Scabkab et al. discloses a tether that addressesthe above and other deficiencies in the art, that is efficient tomanufacture, and attractive in use. More specifically, the invention isdirected to a tether including a ring, a first strap connected to thering at a first point, a second strap coupled to one of the first strapand ring, and a releasable connector. The releasable connector isoperable to releasably couple the first strap to the ring at a secondpoint such that the first strap forms a variable sized opening forreceiving an object or container. The invention is also directed to atethered container assembly including the aforementioned tether and acontainer.

U.S. Patent No. 20050132462 to Archambault, dated Jun. 23, 2005discloses a multi-purpose burp cloth (1) which allows parents orcare-givers to perform other activities while feeding his or her baby bybottle that also acts as a baby diaper changing pad and pacifier holder.The burp cloth (1) has a front side (3) and a back side (8) that areattached to one another by stitching (16). A pillow is located at anupper portion of the burp cloth (1) and a clip (5) is located just belowthe pillow (2) on the front component (3) while an elasticized strap (4)is attached on one end to the front side (3). To use the cloth (1), theuser simply wraps the strap (4) around the bottle and attaches thefastening means (14) on the strap (4) to the front side (3). Analternate embodiment includes an adjuster (7) located on a strap pair(18) wherein the user feeds the end portion of the strap (4) through theadjuster (7) and pulls the strap (4) so as to make the strap (4) tightagainst the bottle (10). To use the cloth (1) as a baby diaper changingpad, the user simply flips the cloth (1) so that the back side (8) isface up, places the baby's head onto the pillow (2) and changes thediaper. The user may then wipe the back side (8) with a disinfectingwipe to kill the germs.

U.S. Patent No. 20050103954 to Touma, dated May 19, 2005, discloses ababy bottle holder secures the bottle in a convenient hands-freeposition and allows a baby to receive liquid. The baby bottle holder isremovably attached to a bib or other suitable article of clothing wornby the baby. The bottle is removably engaged by the baby bottle holder.At least one strap may be employed to fasten the bottle to the babybottle holder.

U.S. Patent No. 20030127478 to Villarral, dated Jul. 10, 2003, disclosesa bottle or utility holder for the supported transportation of a plasticbeverage bottle or utility device by the user or for the support from astationary member that is easy to manufacture and use, low in cost andis comprised of a o-ring with a pull tab (1), a fastener (2) forattaching the o-ring with pull-tab to a support member e.g. a belt (3a), belt loop (3 b), shoulder strap (3 d) or belt clip (3 c), the o-ringwith a pull tab is attached to the support member with a fastener (2)through a hole (6) this assembly allows for the transport of a plasticbottle or utility device by the user, the plastic bottle is adapted byengaging the annular rim flange at the base of the screw cap bystretching the o-ring with the pull tab over around and down the screwcap where it is released and held in place under the rim at the base ofthe screw cap along side the neck of the bottle, a utility device e.g.flashlights, billy clubs or similar shaped articles maybe dropped intothe o-ring and held in place in a similar manner as the beforementioned, an optional bushing installed between the support member andthe o-ring with pull-tab will stand off the article being suspendedallowing for better clamping of the o-ring around the article.

U.S. Patent No. 20010032867 to Silbert, dated Oct. 25, 2001, discloses adecorative thermally insulated beverage bottle holder having adetachable carrying strap, a bottle opener, and a bottle cap. The bottleholder is made of a flexible insulating material such as neoprene. Avertically disposed zipper allows for the easy opening and closing ofthe contour fitting holder. Indicia can be placed on the holder toenhance its appearance.

U.S. Patent No. 20040061031 to Lange, dated Apr. 1, 2004, discloses ababy bottle holder that includes a stuffed toy body and a sleeveextending through the stuffed toy body to form at least one opening inthe stuffed toy body. The baby bottle holder further includes a bottleretainer that is positioned within the sleeve and spaced from a firstend and a second end of the sleeve. The bottle retainer may bepositioned such that only a nipple of a baby bottle is exposed outside amouth of the stuffed toy body when the baby bottle is secured within thebottle holder. Another aspect relates to a baby bottle holder thatincludes a tether attached to the stuffed toy body to secure the babybottle holder to an object.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,112 to Lange, dated Nov. 30, 2004, discloses a babybottle holder that includes a stuffed toy body and a sleeve extendingthrough the stuffed toy body to form at least one opening in the stuffedtoy body. The baby bottle holder further includes a bottle retainer thatis positioned within the sleeve and spaced from a first end and a secondend of the sleeve. The bottle retainer may be positioned such that onlya nipple of a baby bottle is exposed outside a mouth of the stuffed toybody when the baby bottle is secured within the bottle holder. Anotheraspect relates to a baby bottle holder that includes a tether attachedto the stuffed toy body to secure the baby bottle holder to an object.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,837 to Howard et al., dated Jul. 29, 2003, disclosesan infant nursing bottle holder includes a substantially U-shapedclamping member, a substantially Y-shaped nursing bottle-retainingmember, a strap for securing an infant nursing bottle to thebottle-retaining member, multiple elongate members, interconnectedend-to-end and, together, coupling the bottle-retaining member to theU-shaped clamping member, and a rotatable hinge joint at theinterconnection of each pair of elongate members, each hinge jointhaving a geared resilient pivot that permits angular positioning of thejoined elongate members at discrete arcuate intervals through a range ofat least 180 degrees.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,768 to Henry, dated Aug. 19, 2003 discloses a strapdevice is provided for holding objects held by infants, for preventingthe object from falling to the ground if released by the infant. Thestrap device includes a flexible strap having a first end with a firstsecuring means, a second end with a second securing means, a firstattachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the first end, and asecond attachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the secondend. The attachment means each can be releasably secured to a positionon the flexible strap, forming a primary loop for securing the flexiblestrap to the object or to a support structure. The first securing meanspreferably is an elastic loop, which can attach the object to the strapdevice regardless of the object's shape and dimensions, while the secondsecuring means attaches to a support near the infant for his use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,039 to Parcelles, dated Mar. 14, 1995, discloses ababy bottle holder including a pouch formed of flexible, preferablywashable material wherein the bottle extends into the hollow interior ofthe pouch and is removably maintained therein through the existence of agripping portion formed on the pouch in somewhat surrounding relation tothe baby bottle. An elongated connector strap which also may be elastichas one end affixed to the pouch and an opposite end including anattachment member designed to be removably secured to some type ofsupporting object such as but not limited to a baby chair, stroller,attendant person, etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,811 to Millis et al., dated Feb. 5, 1991, disclosesa baby bottle holder according to the present invention is composed of asleeve of foam rubber material having a circular bottom piece of thesame material which together form a cylindrical jacket for holding thebottle. In addition, one end of an elastic strap is attached to thesleeve near its top while a hoop and hook fastener arrangement isattached to the other end of the strap. The jacket and bottle may bethus secured to any suitable nearby object having an unobstructed orfree cross-sectional area by the strap and fastener. The jacket thusserves to both thermally insulate and protect the bottle while the straprestricts the movement of the jacket and bottle whenever it is releasedby the baby using it thereby greatly simplifying the bottle's retrieval.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,972 to O'Neill, dated Dec. 28, 1999, discloses adevice for attaching baby bottles to strollers or car seats havingconstraining bars. The device contains a holding mechanism for attachingthe device to a stroller or car seat; an angular stem leading away fromthe holding mechanism; a hollow cylinder attached to the angular stem,the cylinder containing a connector held in place near the stem, acircular cap at the end away from the stem, and a coil spring connectingthe connector and the cap; a bottle holder attached to the cap; and anadjustable strap connected to the bottle holder. The angular stem isadjustable relative to the constraining bar. Also, the coil springallows the bottle holder to swivel around the cylinder so that when thebottle is in use, it may easily be held with the nipple at a downwardangle and when not in use, it automatically positions the nipple at anupward angle.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D443,933 to Schindler, dated Jun. 19, 2001,discloses an ornamental design for a baby bottle holder. U.S. DesignPat. No. D417,778 to Karlin, dated Dec. 21, 1999, discloses anornamental design for a baby bottle holder. U.S. Design Pat. No.D502,311 to Ellis, dated Mar. 1, 2005, discloses an ornamental designfor an article holder with clip. U.S. Design Pat. No. D447,872, datedSep. 18, 2001, discloses an ornamental design for a baby bottle holder.U.S. Design Pat. No. D426,699 to Dickerson, dated Jun. 20, 2000,discloses an ornamental design for a toy holder, substantially. U.S.Design Pat. No. D337,133 to Olsen, dated Jul. 6, 1993, discloses anornamental design for a toy strap. U.S. Design Pat. No. D356,379 toIbinger, dated Mar. 14, 1995, discloses an ornamental design for abottle holder.

While there have been devices and holders for the objects of smallchildren, there have been no easy to use devices for easily gripping orholding objects associated with a baby or toddler and which prevent themfrom falling on the floor. There is a need for a device which can beeasily attached and secured by a parent.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel system foraffixing or holding a number of objects associated with a child ortoddler and preventing them from falling on the ground.

It's a further object of the present invention to provide a device whichcan attach to an object including a cup with a handle or any item with aclosed loop.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a systemincluding an adjustable strap for holding small objects and including anadjustable cord for holding and securing objects without a handle.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from thedetailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of the invention which illustrates the object holders.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the invention.

FIGS. 4 and 4 a illustrate the an adjustable strap of the invention as acup holder.

FIGS. 5 and 5 a illustrate the invention secured to a stroller.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for holdinga baby's implements and preventing them from dropping to the floorcomprising a strap having a first end for attachment to an objectassociated with the baby; and a second end terminating in an adjustablecatch loop for securing an object, and a strap for attachment to aclosed loop object.

In yet a further embodiment, the present invention is a device forholding baby's objects and preventing them from dropping to the floorcomprising a nylon strap having a first end for attachment to an objectassociated with the baby; a second end terminate in a polymeric catchloop adjustable by a locking device to secure an object; and a Velcrostrap for securing a closed loop object.

In still yet a further embodiment, the present invention is a device forholding baby's objects and preventing them from dropping to the floorcomprising an elastic strap having a first end for attachment to anobject associated with the baby and having an appropriate length toprevent secured objects from reaching the floor; a second end terminatein a polymeric catch loop adjustable by a locking device to secure anobject; and said second end further comprising a strap for securing aclosed loop object and including a Velcro locking system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described with referenced to the enclosedFigures wherein the same numbers are used where applicable. Referring toFIG. 1, the invention comprises a strap 10 which is configured to attachto a stroller, high chair, tricycle, or other object associated with ababy, toddler or small child. The strap should be of appropriate lengthso as to hold any secured objects above the floor. The strap 10 may beconstructed from a variety of materials including nylon, cotton, wooland may have elastic.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5, the strap has a Velcro attachment orsimilar mechanism 22 to attach the strap to a baby carriage, high chairor the like.

The strap has a second end 13 which terminates in two connection systems16, 18. The first connection system is an adjustable cord 16 which cansurround and be secured to an object such as a cup or baby bottle asshown in FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 5 b. The cord 16 can be adjusted and lockedin place by a locking mechanism 12. The cord 16 will preferably beelastic or have a rubber or polymer outer surface to provide friction tohold an object such as a baby bottle 31 as shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b.

The non-loop end of the cord 16 a is pulled through the lockingmechanism. The cord can then be locked in place by a spring activatedcatch. The catch is released when the button 26 is depressed. It can beappreaciated by one skilled in the arts that the locking mechanism canbe completed in a variety of ways.

The second connector is a foldable fabric strap 18, 20 with attachmentmeans. In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises Velcroattachment system 19 a, 19 b. The second strap 18, 20 attachment slipsthrough a closed hoop object such as a coffee cup or handle 30 as shownin FIG. 5 b, folds over and is secured by the Velcro 19 a, 19 b.

The present invention provides a system for parents to easily attach andsecure objects for a baby or toddler, which prevents the object fromfalling to the floor and being lost.

The present invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment. The true nature and scope of the invention is to bedetermined with reference to the claims attached hereto.

1. A device for holding a baby's implements and preventing them fromdropping to the floor comprising: a strap having a first end forattachment to an object associated with the baby; and a second endterminating in an adjustable catch loop for securing an object, and astrap for attachment to a closed loop object.
 2. The device of claim 1wherein the closed loop object is a cup handle.
 3. A device for holdingbaby's objects and preventing them from dropping to the floorcomprising: a nylon strap having a first end for attachment to an objectassociated with the baby; a second end terminate in a polymeric catchloop adjustable by a locking device to secure an object; and a Velcrostrap for securing a closed loop object.
 4. A device for holding baby'sobjects and preventing them from dropping to the floor comprising: anelastic strap having a first end for attachment to an object associatedwith the baby and having an appropriate length to prevent securedobjects from reaching the floor; a second end terminate in a polymericcatch loop adjustable by a locking device to secure an object; and saidsecond end further comprising a strap for securing a closed loop objectand including a Velcro locking system.